Cheetah
In the wild
Scientific name: Acinonyx jubatus
Status: Classified as Vulnerable
Distribution: East and southern Africa
Type: Mammal
Diet: Carnivore
At Marwell Wildlife
Cheetahs are fed once a day 5 days a week on a diet of meat. Twice a week they have a starve day. This is because in the wild they are known to gorge themselves when prey is caught and may not have the chance to eat again until the next big kill.
The cheetahs have various platforms in their enclosure to allow them to gain a good vantage point to survey their territory.
Check out the cheetah webcam on the sprint campaign home page and see if you can spot a cheetah.
Did you know: cheetahs cannot roar
About Cheetahs
Cheetahs inhabit open savannah and are never found in dense forest. Most large cats rely on surprise and ambush for hunting but in the open savannah the Cheetah has had to adopt a different approach. It locates its prey, usually small antelope or gazelle, with its good eyesight, rather than by smell or sound.
Cheetahs are the fastest land mammal able to accelerate to speeds of up to 70 m.p.h. Observing from a vantage point, an individual will pick an antelope at the edge of the herd, stalk and then give chase. The cheetah’s claws act as ‘studs’, gripping the ground when it is running. The cheetah lacks stamina for a long chase and after 400 – 500m it is exhausted. Around half of its chases will be unsuccessful. Even when the prey is killed it is often ‘stolen’ by lions, hyenas or hunting dogs. Cheetahs usually hunt alone, at day break, although mothers and cubs may hunt together.
With the threat from hunting for the fur trade and for sport, cheetahs are becoming increasing rare. Habitat destruction is also reducing numbers.
Adopt a Cheetah from £50.00
Our General Adoption scheme includes all this:
- A special Adoption Certificate
- Recognition at your adopted animal's home
- A photo of a Cheetah
- A day pass to Marwell Wildlife
- An annual subscription to Marwell News
- Cheetah fact sheet
- Presentation folder
- Access to online Adopters Zone
- Car sticker
Want to help even more? Choose Premium Adoption below!